St. Louis – St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Kenneth A. Grooms, II, 38, was charged today with one misdemeanor count of deprivation of rights in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. According to the charging document, on or about May 5, 2018, Grooms willfully deprived “John Doe” of his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable seizure. This crime carries a maximum possible sentence of one year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, or both imprisonment and a fine.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Reginald Harris and Jennifer Winfield are handling the case for the United States Attorney’s Office.

Charges set forth in the Information are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.